What Will Be Your Defining Moment?

At some point in our lives, we will all face adversity. But if we want to be better leaders, if we want to embrace happier and more successful lives, we need to find the diamond in the rough of those difficult—sometimes even harrowing—experiences.

Dr. James Kelley is a speaker, host of the podcast Executives After Hours, and author of the upcoming book The Crucible’s Gift. Throughout his conversations with other leaders, James has honed in on how unique stories and adverse experiences help the best leaders become more self-aware, compassionate, and relatable so they can lead with more integrity. Today he’ll share with you some of what he has learned.

Follow along as James explains why he calls these moments crucibles, how they can shape and define us for better or worse, and how you can use these experiences to become a better leader.

In This Episode

Moments that make up a leader’s crucible

The different ways adversity can shape a person

James’ personal crucible experiences

How to find the gift in difficult, defining experiences

Why feedback should come from both above and below you

Quotes in This Episode

“Leaders who really thrive by using their adversity to springboard their life and their career—and their person if you will—they found the gift in what that adversity gave them. ” —James Kelley

“I never think that anyone’s journey is any different, better, or worse than anyone’s. It’s just theirs.” —James Kelley

“You can fail and you can own it and you can pull it apart and you can punch it in the face. But you must get back up and you must keep going.” —James Kelley

“The hardest thing to get a leader to do is to be self-aware of their weaknesses.” —James Kelley

“Compassion for others is important, but it really starts with compassion with yourself.” —James Kelley